Governor Usman Ododo has promised to make Kogi state an attractive investment destination for local and foreign investors.
He made the promise while giving his inaugural speech after taking oath of office in Lokoja on Saturday.
Ododo said his administration will be aggressive, deliberate and strategic in making the state’s business environment attractive.
“Kogi has all it takes to fulfill Nigeria’s dream of becoming the industrial hub of the global south. We are one of the most endowed states in Nigeria with abundant mineral resources and many gifts of nature. Kogi is where two of Africa’s biggest rivers, Niger and Benue, form a Confluence. The huge water bodies can serve in the areas of transportation, agriculture and tourism.
“We have all it takes with the many rivers and dams in the State to produce food all year round with an all seasons farming. We must produce what we eat, eat what we produce and produce what others eat. Aside the very valuable mineral resources our state is blessed with, we have no excuse not to be the food basket of Africa with the robust agricultural platforms already put in place by my leader and predecessor, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, CON.
“Our approach will be open, frank and rugged but I am confident that it will lead us eventually to progress and prosperity,” he said.
Governor Ododo called on the global investment community to see Kogi as the destination of choice, adding that the state’s environment is safe for investment and with friendly policies.
“We will protect the investors and the interest of our people. Kogi is the place to be.
“For the past few years, we have been working on how to launch our Confluence and our State on the world tourism map. In the next couple of months, we are hopeful that the world will make Kogi their tourism destination of choice.
“As your Governor, I will be at the forefront of our investment drive and we shall put in place, a Diaspora Investment Platform to make every Kogite around the world our investment Ambassador. It is economically imperative to build an economy that is basically driven by the private sector.”
The Governor promised that his government shall hit the ground running with people-oriented programmes and projects delivered with utmost focus on the wellbeing of the people.
He promised to govern with transparency, probity and accountability at all times.
“Fellow Kogites, I promise to govern with the fear of God and to be just, fair and equitable in all my dealings with all men and women irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation.
“Our government will be transparent, accountable and we shall reward honesty, hard work and courage while promoting tolerance, loyalty and fairness,” he pledged.